Quirky, relatable, misleading: ADHD’s viral Identity on TikTok
Recent Publication
On TikTok, ADHD often seems like a likeable personality trait: chaotic, creative, a bit quirky. However, a recent study from KL's Research Centre Transitional Psychiatry shows that this viral content usually has little to do with clinical reality. Most popular videos mix general everyday experiences with ADHD, exaggerate behaviour or spread unsubstantiated tips. Humour and staged "relatability" may ensure reach, but they distort the clinical picture. This article was funded by the KL Open Access Publishing Fund.
Neumann, M., Rothenberg, M., Mittmann, G., Ramsauer, J., Dorczok, M. C., & Steiner-Hofbauer, V. (2026). Quirky, relatable, misleading: ADHD’s viral Identity on TikTok. Current Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-025-08675-1
Dr. Max Rothenberg
Division of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine (University Hospital Tulln)
Dr. Gloria Mittmann MSc
Scientific Staff (PostDoc)
Research Centre Transitional Psychiatry
Marie Celine Dorczok MSc
Scientific Staff (PreDoc)
Research Centre Transitional Psychiatry
Mag. Dr. Verena Steiner-Hofbauer
Head of
Research Centre Transitional Psychiatry